A BRIEF SUMME OF THE CHEIF ARTICLES of our Christian Faith, Composed IN WAY OF Question and Answer, NOW Published, especially for the Benefit of the Town of HAMPTON.
CAMBRIDG Printed by Samuel Green, 1663.
Quest. WHat is Divinity?
Answ. It is the Doctrine of living well. 1 Tim. 6.3.2 Tim 3.12.
Quest. How many parts hath it?
Answ. Two, Faith in God, and Observance toward God 2 Tim. 1 13 [...] 3.8.
Quest. What is Faith in God?
A. A confidence grounded upon knowledg [...], whereby God is trusted in, for life. Psal 9.10 Psal. 50.10. Ga [...]. 2 19.20
Q May God be known of us as He is in himself?
A. No but only some gl [...]ering of God apprehended by way of Reason, according to the measure of our understanding, which are called his Backparts. Exod 33. [...] 6.14. 1 Tim. 6.16.
Q. Will this knowledge [...] well?
A. Yea, we cannot see further and live, neither [...]eed we that we may live. Exod. 33.20,23. Deut. [...].29. [...]. 2 13. Psal. 36 9.
Q. What are those back parts of God, that may be [...]nown?
A. His Sufficiency and his Efficiency. Exod. 6 Rom. 4.17,21.
[Page 2] Qu What is the Sufficiency of God?
Answ: The fullness of God▪ whereby bee in himselfe hath enough for Himselfe and more then enough for us. Gen. 17 1. Ephe. 3.20. Cor 9.8.
Qu Wherein consist the Sufficiency of God.
Answ: In his divine Essence, and subsistence: Faith goeth for life to one God in three persons Gen. 2.9. Mat. 28 19. John. 17.3.
Qu What [...] the divine Essence?
Answ: It is that, whereby God is absolutely the first being. Exod 3.14 Isal. 41.4. & 44.6. R [...]. 21.6.
Qu: What followeth from hence?
Answ: That God being from, and for no other is Supreme and onely Independent, & being without, all causes, cannot bee defined. [...] 44.6. [...] 14.18, to 22. Exod: 3.14. [...] 40.25.
Qu: How is the Essence of God being a pure act, made known to us?
Answ: By divine attributes, which are that one most pure act, diversly apprehended by us Exod. 34 6. Deut. 32.3.4.
Qu: What followeth from hence?
Answ: 1. That the Attributes nothing differ from the divine essence, but onely in respect of our understanding. 2 That they are to be understood in him, in the highest degree. 3 That they are all equall among themselves. 4 That they are [...] himselfe together.
Qu: How many sorts of divine attributes are there?
[Page 3] Answ: Two, which shew either what he is, or who he is:
Qu: Which are they which shew what [...]?
A: It is his Definition, viz. that he is a spirit haveing life [...]himselfe. [...]ohn 4.24. [...] 5.26.
Qu Which are they, which [...] God [...]?
Answ: His essentiall properties, whereby, Hee is distinguished from all others. 2 Chron. 29.11 Psal 116.5.6. Psal. 9 [...] 1.
Qu How many sorts are there of them?
Answ: Two shewing how great a God hee is, or what manner of God he is.
Qu Which shew his greatness?
Answ: His Infiniteness and Eternity. D [...]ut. 10.17. l [...] 36.26.
Qu What is his Infiniteness?
A. That whereby God is without all limits of Essence and hence he is Immense, and Incomprehensible, that is without all limits of quantity, and place. Psa. 78.4 [...]. Psa. 145 3. & 147. 5. Job 11 7,8 9. 1 [...]. 8 27 Psal. 1,9.8.
Quest. What is he Eternity of God?
A. That whereby he is without all possibility of beginning and ending and before and after all not beings. Psal. 90.1, [...]. & 102.12. & 139.16. [...] 57.15.
Quest. What followes from hence?
A. Two things. 1. That he is not from any other by Creation or generation, and therefore without annihilation & corruption. 2 That He is God without Limits & time past, present or to [Page 4] come, and yet is at all times without respect of time, and hence Hee is not subject to alteration, or to wax old
Qu Which attributes shew what manner of God Hee is?
Answ. His blessed understanding and will, in the act of it which is the happiness of God. 1 Tim. 1.11. 1 Tim. 6 15 1 [...] 1.8.
Q Hithe to of the divine Essence, what are the Subsistences?
Answ: That one most pure Essence reflecting upon itselfe, with its relative propertyes. Heb. 1.3. Exod. 33.20,23. Pro [...]. 8.23.25.30.
Quest. What followeth from hence?
An. Four things. 1. That the Subsistances being the same Essence, are therefore God, and that one God. 2. That they are God of themselves [...]. 5 26, & 8.58. Rev. 11 8. Hence 3. It can not be properly said that the Essence is communicated from one to the other, or that they are God of God. Hence 4. They are Coequal, Coessential Coeternal.
Qu. How are the Subsistences distinguished from the Essence?
A. Only as respects, & manners of being from the Being it selfe [...] 1 1. Ro [...]: 2 21.
Q. How are they distinguished [...] from another?
A. As Relatives, by their Relative and individual properties Psa. 2.7. 1 [...]ohn 5.7. Mat 28 19
Q. [...] [...] fell [...] from hence?
A. These Four things 1 That therefore they [Page 5] cannot be one the other. 2 That they are together by nature. 3 That they are only in order one before another, according to the manner of their Subsisting. 4 Because their propertye [...] are individual, therefore these Subs [...]tences are not improperly called Persons Iohn 1 1,32 14.9,10,11 16 1 [...] 5 7. H [...]: 1 3.5. 2 co: 4 6.
Qu How are these [...] distinguished?
A By there natures, Properties, and manner of being they are the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. 1 Iohn 5. 7.
Q What is the Father?
A: A divine person begetting the Son, or conceiving a most perfect Image of himselfe. Prov: 8.22,24,25 H [...]: 1 3 5.
Q What [...] his Relative Propertie?
A: To Beget, and not to be B [...]gotten, & therefore Hee is the first Person in order of subsisting. Psalm 27. Mat 28.19.
Q: What is God the Son?
A: A Divine Person conceived or begotten of the Father Prov: 8 24,25. [...] 1▪ 14 18. & 3. 16. 18: Heb: 1. 3. 5
Q What is the Sons Relative Propertie?
A: To be begotten, and not to beget, and because he is from the Father alone, therefore is Hee the second Person in order of subsisting. Mat; 28: 19.1 [...] 4. 9.
Q: What is the Holy Ghost?
A: A divine person proceeding from the Father and the Son, as being the beloved of the conceiver [Page 6] and the conceived. [...]ohn 14, [...]6. & 15: 26. Isa [...]. 63, 10
Qu What is the Spirits Relative Propertie?
A To proceed, and because Hee proceeds from the Father, and the Son, therefore it is the third in order of subsisting. [...]ohn. 15. 26. 1 [...]. 5.7
Q [...] the summ of all that hath [...]?
A That wee beleeve in God who is one Essence in three Persons, which is therefore called Unity in Trinity, or Trinity in Unity.
Q What is the Efficiency of God?
A That whereby Hee works all in all. 1 Cor: 12.6. Eph: 1. 11.
Q What [...] generally to be observed by us?
A: Something concerning the Essence, and something concerning the Subsistences.
Q What is to be observed concerning the Divine Essence?
A The Omnipotency of God, whereby he is able to do whatsoever is an effect of power. Mat 19. 26. 2 [...]: 6. 18.
Q What followeth from hence?
A That God cannot do any workes of weakness or impossible things, that is, Hee cannot cross a rule of Art or wisdome. Rom. 3. 4. 2 Tim: 2.13. Tit: 1,2.
Q How do we Attribute power to God, who is a [...]?
A Onely in respect of the thing, which [...] that act of God, which before, it did not, the [Page 7] change, is upon the creature not in God, whose act is, Eternall as himselfe. Exod: 3, 14. Psal: 139, 16. Isay: 33. 14.
Q What appeareth from the Almighty Efficiency of God?
A The Divine decree, which is his definitive Sentence, concerning the effecting of all things by his mighty power according to his Counsel, [...] Psal▪ 139 16. Acts: 2 23. & 4. 28
Q What Attributes appear in the Decree?
A Gods constancy, Truth, and Faithfulnes, Isa [...] 14,24,27. Isay: 25.1.
Q What are the causes of the Decree?
A. The Finall cause, Gods own Glory, the Efficient is his wisedome, and good pleasure. Ex: 33. 18, 19. Eph 1, 6. 9, 11, 12, 14. [...]ob: 12. 13. Pro [...]: 8 14.
Q What is here to be observed concerning the divine Persons?
A Two things? their Co-operation in working and their distinct manner of working.
Q What is their Co-operation?
A That whereby they work the same things inseparably, and hence they are equall in working, and there is no preheminence of Divinity in their operation. Gen: 1.26,27. [...]ohn: 15.17, to 27. Psal. 33.6. Eph: 1.17. 1 Pet: 4.19.
Q What is there distinct manner of working?
A That whereby each person workes according to his order and manner of subsisting. [...]ohn 16 7, to 16. 1 Cor 12.4,5,6.
[Page 8] Q What is the Fathers manner of working?
A Hee workes of himselfe by His Son and Spirit hence the originall, and beginning of all things is given to the Father. Mat. 11.25,26. Eph: 1.9.11 Gen. 2. [...] 14.26, Eph 1.3.
Q What [...]?
A Hee work [...] from the Father by the Holy Ghost, hence the [...] of all things is given to the Son [...] 5.19. [...]0, & 15.26 [...] 16. 7 to 16. Act: 1. 2. [...] 2 3.
Q What [...] of workin [...]?
A Hee workes from the Father and the Son by himself, hence the consummation of all things is given to the Holy Ghost. [...] 14.26. & 15.26. & 16 7. 13,14. 1 Cor 1 [...].14.
Q What followeth from their distinct manner of wokes?
A That, that work wherein any persons manner of working doth peculiarly appear, that work is especially given to that person. Mat: 12. 28. Luke 11. 20. Acts 1. 16.
Q What are the kinds of Gods Efficiency?
A Creation and Providence. Psalm 10. 4, 2, to 33. Psalm 33. 6. [...] 20. Psalm 136. 4. &c:
Q What [...]?
A That whereby God made the World, originally of nothing, and exceeding Good. Gen: 1. [...] 10.11.12. Acts. 7,24.
Q What is to be observed here?
A That Creation is given to God the Father, especially because his manner of working appeares [Page 9] herein. Acts 4.24. 1 Cor: 8.6. Rev: 4. [...]
Q How is Creation divine?
A According to the distinct parts of the World, which was made not in an Instant, but in six dayes. Gen: 1. Psalm 104. 24, 25. 1 Cor: 15.40.
Q Which are the more principall parts of the World?
A Constant natures immediately made perfect, or inconstant, which were perfected by degrees, Gen: 1. &c:
Q Which are constant natures?
A The third heaven and the Angels. Gen 1.1 Col: 1.16.
Q What is the third Heaven?
A The most stately pleasant, and Holy Habitation of God, wherein his Majesty is seen face to face. Psalm 148.45. Mat: 5.34. 1 Cor. 13.12 Deut: 26.15.
Q What are the Angels?
A A Multitude of constant natures, which were made, to Praise God, and to bee his Ministring Spirits. Gen: 1. 1. Dan 7. 10. Luke 2. 13.
Q Which are inconstant Natures?
A Those which were made of Principles preexistent. Gen▪ 12.7,22. Psalm 101.25,26. 2 Pet: 3.6,7.
Q Who is the principall and chief of inconstant natures;
A Man as being made the last of all Genesis [...] 26. &c:
[Page 10] Q How did God Create man?
A He Created him Male and Female after his own Image.Gen: 1. 26. &: Acts 3. 10.Esther: 4. 24.
Q What is the constitution of man?
A That whereby Man consists of a body made of the earth, and a reasonable immortall soule. Gen: 2. 7 [...] 10. 8, to 13.
Q What is the body of Man?
A A part of man made of the dust of the Earth, fitted with Organs, suiting the reasonable soule. Gen: 2. 7. Ps [...]ls 139 &c:
Q What is the reasonable soule?
A A Spirit of life, with a faculty of reason & will, whereby man is a cause by counsell. Gen: 2. 7 [...] 10. 12. Psalm 33. 15. Psalm 94. 10 [...] 32. 8.
Q How will it appear that the soule is Immortall?
A Because it was made Immediately of nothing besides other reasons that might be given. Gen 2. 7 Joh 10 11,12
Q What was the perfection in which man was Create?
A That whereby he was invested with the Image of God whereby he was fitted to imitate & Please God, according to his measure and manner, as also his dominion over the Creatures. Gen: 1. 26. &c: E [...]cles 7. 29, gen, 2. 8. gen: 3. 19,20.
Q Hitherto of Creation, what is Divine Providence?
A The Efficiency of God, whereby he watcheth [Page 11] over all created beiugs, in a most exquisite manner. gen; 22. 8,14. Psalm 145. 15. [...]. Luke 12. 67.
Qu What is the ordinary Providence of God?
A That whereby he guideth and provideth for the Creature by ordinary meanes. gen. 15. to 24 Hose. 2. 22.
Q What is his extraordinary Providence?
A That whereby God guides and provides extraordinarily which is called a miracle. Dent: 8. 3. & 29. 5,6. Iosh: 10 12,14 Matth 14 30. &c:
Q What is Gods conservation of things?
A That whereby God continueth the Beings and qualyties of all his Creatures, and in their kindes, Acts 17. 28 Heb 1. 3.
Q What is his gubernation or Government?
A That whereby God guides the Acts of all his creatures to their end 1 Chr [...]. 29. 1. Psal 29. 10 Psalm 104. 11.
Qu How is this government distinguished?
A It is either common guiding all things by the course of Nature, or speciall, Psalm 19. 1 to 12 Psalm 148 2 to 14.
Q What is the speciall government of God?
A That whereby he guides his reasonable Creatures, to an eternall state of Happiness, or misery, according as Hee is pleased, or displeased with them. Mat. 25. [...] Rom: 10 5 get: 3. 22.
Q What is the first thing appearing from hence?
A The Covenant which God made with [Page 12] Mankind in Adam (who was a publique Person, the Father, prince, and Root of all mankind) wherein God promised Life upon condition of Obedience and threatned death upon condition of disobedience gen 2 17 & 3 22. Rom 10 5. Rom 5 15 to 20 1 Cor 15 25,45 to 50
Q What is the second thing appearing from hence?
A That it was not possible for Man to be happy, or miserable by Creation. gen. 2 17 3. 22. Rom 10. 5.
Q What is here to be considered?
A The Apostacy and Restitution of Man. gen 3 Luk 1. 30 to 80. Rom 12 to 20.
Q What is the Appostacy of Man?
A The fall of Man from his Obedience to the rule of Gods Government Gen 3. 6,7. & 6. 1. to 8.
Q What was his Transgression?
A The Eating of the forbidden fruit of the tree of knowledg, which was one of the sac [...]aments, whereby the Covenant of love was Sealed. gen 2 9,17. & 3. 1 to 7.
Q Which were the blameable instrumentall causes of the fall?
A The Devil abuseing the Serpent, and the woman. Gen: 3.
Q What are the Devills?
A Those Angels, who freely disdaining their station, are become lyars, and Blasphemers of God Seducers and Murtherers of Man. gen 3 1 to 6. John 8. 44 Jude 6.
[Page 13] Q What was the [...] cause?
A Man abusing his face will, in heatkning not to the Command, but to the Temptation whereby hee was seduced, and led into l [...]a [...]grassion. Gen 3 6 17. Rom 5 12, &c:
Q What is the [...]?
A The Command, against which Adam dishing himselfe made Sh [...]p-wrack of his whole estate [...] 4 15 & 5 13 & 7 5 [...] 13.
Q What are the effects of this [...]?
A. Especially Guilt & Punishment. Gen; 3. 7 &c Rom; 5; 2 &c,
Q what is God?
A That, whereby the Transgressor is bound over to undergoe due Punishment. Gen 2. 11. Rom 3. 19.
Q What Attributes of God here shine for [...]?
A His Holynes and His justice. gen 18 25. Isay 6 3. Rom 25 6.
Q What is he Holyness of God?
A That whereby God is bound to advance himselfe, as the most Glorious one, and hol [...]s agreement onely with those who concu [...]r with him in this end. Psalm 5. 4,5 H [...]b 1. 13.
Q What is the Justice of God?
A That whereby Hee is it clined to render to every Man according to his works, and to punish evil doers. Gen 18. 25 Rom. 2 1 to 14. E [...]k 18. 25, 26,9
Q How is it nikermise called?
A As his Justice seemes to burne against Sinn, [Page 14] more remissly, so it is called anger, or more strongly so it is called wrath, as it doth give sentence against Sin, so it is called Judgment, and as it executeth the same, so it is called Revenge.
Qu What divine Attributes appeareth here?
A A divine Mercy, whereby God is ready to succour the offender in misery, which God showes forth in his gentleness, and Bountifullness. Psal: 78. 38 Luke 6 35. 36 Gen 8 21, 22. Nebem 9. 11to 30.
Qu What is the punishment of Adams Transgression?
A Sinne and death. Gen 3 7 to the end. Rom 5. 12.
Qu What is Sin?
A A Swerving from the Rule or Law of God, which is either Original as the Swerving of Mans Nature or actuall which is the swerving of Mans actions from the Rule. Dan 9,10,11,1 John 3,4 Rom 8 5,6 7,8. Mat 12 35 Mat 15 19.
Qu What may be observed hence?
A That Mans wit, and will are exorbitant, & therefore he hath not freedome of will to any Spirituall good. 1 Cor 2,14, John 8,44. & 33. to 37
Qu What is the de [...] to that is a punnishment to Sin?
A A Miserable privation of the life of Joy & comfort 1 Sam 25,37. Rom 5 12. & 6 ul:
Q What is the first death?
A A miserable privation, or losse of the good things of this life the perfection of which is the [Page 15] separation of soule and body. Deut 28. 15 Iob 14. 1 Gen 35. 18. Eccles 12. 7.
Q What is the Second death?
A A privation especialy of the happynesse of the inward man, the beginnning of which is a want of Gods favour and subjection to Horrour and the power of Sathan; Mat 10. 28. Rev 20 6. Gen. 4. 13,14. Heb 2 14. 15.
Q What is the perfection of the Second Death?
A A Finall ejection from the face of God, into Hell, of the Soule immediately after the first death, of both Soule and body at the Resurrection; Mat 13 49. 50. Luke 16. 25.
Q What is Hell?
A A Place appointed by God for the everlasting punishment of all wicked doers, where is weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth. Mat 25 latter end.
Q How is all this derived to Adams posterity?
A By the Union [...]ond Communion of all his posterity with himselfe. Rom. 5. 12 to 20. 1 Cor. 15. 22,45,49.
Q what is the Union of his posterity with himselfe?
A. That whereby all Generations descending fromhim, by their next Parents, are of the same body with himselfe.
Q What is their communion with Adam?
A That whereby His Transgression being imputed, Originall Sinn, and death are communicated O all his posterity. Gen. 5 3. Rom. 5. 12. to 20.
[Page 16] Q Thus of the Full, what is mans rising againe?
A The returne of Man unto I f [...] and favour with God [...] 49. 5,6. Pro 8 35 Rom 5. 16,17,8 2 [...] 5 17 to the end.
Q [...] God appeare here?
A. The Grace of God whereby He is inclined to raise up poor Sinners to a state of favour, for his own take. Exod 33. 19 [...] 34. 6,7. Ephe: 2. 4. [...]. 8.
Q What are [...] parts of our rising again?
A Two, Redemption and the Application of it to us. John 3 14,15,6 1 Pet 1. 18. &c:
Q What is [...]?
A The satisfaction of Justice by the payment of a due price. M [...]. 20. 28. 1 Cor 6: 20. 1 Tim: 2. 6.
Q By whom must this price be payd?
A By a Mediatour, who is Jesus Christ, God Man. Jo [...] 9. 32 33. M [...]: 20. 28. [...] 3. 29 &c: 1 Tim 2 5 6. Heb 13 8.
Q Which are the [...] tall Offices of this Mediatour?
A His Preistly, P [...]opheticall, and Kingly. Psi 110. H [...]. 1. H [...] 7. [...],2,3 4. Acts 13. 22.
Q What [...]?
A That whereby He makes a full atonemen with his Father for man. Act 1 20. 22. Heb 2 17. & 5 [...] 9.
Q What is H [...] P [...]oo [...]e io [...]l [...]ff [...]?
A That whereby he rev [...]ales to man the goo pleasure of God, concerning his peace. Luke 4. [...] [Page 17] 7. 16. & 24. 32. 45. Heb 1: 1.
Q What is His Kingly Office?
A That whereby He leades Man to the attainement of his end, by an unresistable power. Psalm 2. 6 7. Isaiah 9. 6. 7 Jeremiah 23. 5 6. Psalm 45.
Q What is the Incarnation of Christ?
A That whereby in the fulness of time God the Son was made man, in all things like unto us, Sits only excepted, and the manner of His being. Gen. 3. 15. Iohn. 1. 14 Gen 4 4 Phillippians 2. 7,8. Heb. 2 17
Q What Attribute of God appear is here?
A Gods Singular love to mankind, whereby He is inclined to joyne and communicate himself to Man in a singular manner. [...] 118 14 [...]. 43. 4 Mat 1. 23 [...] 2: 4 to 7.
Q What is the distinction of these Natures in Christ?
A That whereby each nature remaines in him disti [...]ct, both in themselves, and in their properties. Luke 2 [...] 30. Phu 2. 6,7. Ma. 16. 16.
A What is the Union of these two Natures.
A A wonderfull Union, whereby the Son of God hath assumed the Humane nature to subsist inseparably in his own person. John 1 14. Heb 2 16. 1 to 8 6.
A Why must our Redeemer be God and Man in one person?
A That He might pay a price sufficient and being a Mediatour between both, He may communicate [Page 18] in both Natures which were to be reconciled. Mat1 23 1 Tim 2 5,6, Heb 1. 1 to last.
Q. What is the Unction of the Son of God?
A. That whereby He is furnished with the Holy Ghost and all gifts meet for his Office.Isa [...] 61. 1to 4. Heb 5. 1 to 6.
Q What is [...] Humiliation of Christ?
A That whereby Hee was abased and made subject to the Justice of God, to performe whatsoever that might require for the Redemption of Man. Isat 53. 2 &c: Gal. 4. 4,5 Heb 7. 24 Phil: 2. 7,8.
Qu What did Gods Justice require?
A Satisfaction for our Sins, and righteousnes for the procuring of life. 2 Cor 5 latter end.
Qu How did he satisfy for our Offences?
A By His passive Obedience, wherein standing as guilty before God, Hee suffered the first and second death. Isay 53. 4. 2 Cor 5. 21. Heb 7. 23:
Q How may it appear that Christ was made a Curse for us?
A Because upon the Crosse Hee suffered the perfection of the second death, which Hee began in the Garden. Mat 26, 37. John 19. 30 Gall: 3. 13.
Q How did he Merit or procure life?
A By His active Obedience, which is that whereby Christ being indued with the Image of God, did actually and perfectly please him. Luke: 1. 35. Iohn 8. 29.
Qu What is the Exaltation of Christ?
[Page 19] A That whereby, Hee obtaines Glorious Conquest, and Triumphes over his, and our enemies. Luke 24. 26. Acts 1. 3. & 2 33. Phillippians: 2. 9. 10.
Q Which are the Degrees of it?
A His Resurrection, Assention into Heaven, sitting at the Right hand of God, and Returne to Judge the Quick and Dead. Mark 16. 19. Rom 8. 34. 2 Tim 4. 1.
Qu What is His Resurrection to us?
A It is the earnest of our Resurrection, that wee by vertue of his Resurrection shall arise to Life everlasting. 1 Cor. 15. &c:
Qu What is his Ascention to us?
A It is an earnest of our Ascention, for our head is gone to prepare a place for his body. John 14. 1.
Q What Benefit comes to us by His sitting at the right hand of God?
A Unspeakable, for while our head is so Magnified, and made Lord over all, wee know Hee wil Rule for the best for us, will not see his Children want, and our Sins shall not hurt us, for He makes [...]ntercession for us. Rom 8 34. Heb 7. 25.
Q What is the Intercession of Christ?
A That whereby Christ appeares with His Merits in the Presence of God, claiming all good for us, according to the promise of His Father. [...]ohn 17. 24. Heb 9 12 24. 1 Iohn 2. 3.
Qu What is our Benefit by his coming to Iudgement?
[Page 20] A Then shall we be Publickly Proclaimed Righteous, and bee Cloathed with Glory in Body and S [...]ule, to the confusion of the wicked▪ and to the comfort of Saints. 1 [...] 4 16. 2 [...]: 1 7 11
Qu Wh [...] [...] Application [...]f [...]?
A The effectuall makeing of that ours, which the Lord hath done for us. Iohn 3▪ 3. to 20 & 10▪ 16. Acts 26. 18.
Q To which of the Persons is this ascribed?
A To God the Holy Ghost. Isa. 59. 21 Iohn 16. 7 &c: 1 Co 12. 13.
Q To whom is Redemption Applyed?
A To the Church, who are the Seed of Christ given to him by His Father. Isai 53. 10 Iohn 17. 2. 6. acts. 20▪ 28.
Q Who are the seed of Christ?
A. All that descend from Him by Spiritual! generation. Psal 22. 30. & 24. 6 Iohn 1 12 13 & 17: 20
Q What doth here appear?
A Gods decree of predestination, concerning the Manifestation of his special Glory in the Everlasting state of Men Ex [...]. 33 19 R [...]. 9. 11 to 16.
Q what is Election?
A Gods predestination of certaine men to the praise of the Glory of his Grace tempered with Justice acts 13 48 1 T [...]e [...] 1. 4 [...]o [...] 8 29 & 9 23 eph 3 4 to 12.
Q What is Reprobation?
A Gods Predestination of certaine Men to th praise of Divine Revenging Justice. Rom 9 22▪ Pet. 2. 8 [...] 4.
[Page 21] Q What are the parts of His Church?
A Two the part Militant, and the part Triumphant. Ro 8 17 Eph 6 7 to 14. Hee 12 22,23 [...] [...] 1. 12.
Q What is [...]he Church [...]?
A Those to whome Christ is [...]polved but in part, and this Church [...]. 1 C 1 9 [...] 2, [...] 18 to the end [...] 6 11 14 M [...]. 13 2 [...] [...] 30.
Qu How is t [...] M [...]ant Church, mingled with [...]?
A Into severall Congregations, each Congregation being a visible Church of Christ. [...] 38. & 13 14,5. & 1 [...]. 32. [...]9. [...]1. 2 [...]: 1. 4.
Q What is [...]?
A A Society o [...] faithfull ones, together with their Seed, who are in Ecclesiastica [...]l confederation with God, and one with another. G [...] 17. 1. Ps: 122 1 to 6 Isa. 6 [...]. 5. Eph: 2. 12. & 4 4 6
Q [...]?
A Serious Professours of the Gospel, or such as have a comp [...]tent knowledge, and blameless life. Gal. [...] 8 9 Rev. 22. 14.
Q W [...] is [...] he considered?
A. A Rule of Ecclesiastical Polity, for the Government of the Church of God [...]. 10. 1 [...],19. Ep [...]. 2. 12. [...].
Q What [...] to be considered in this Government?
A The Governours, and the Governed. Eph 4. 11. 12. Heb 13. 17.
Q [...] Principall Church Governour?
A. God the Father, who is the Father, the [...] [Page 22] who is the Head, and the Spirit, who is the comforter of the Church. I [...]h [...] 14. 16 to 26. Iohn 16. 13. 14. 15. Eph 4,5,6, 15. Rev 4 2, 3.
Q Who are the Minister [...] Governour?
A The Presbittery exercising Spirituall Authority over the Church in the name of the Cheif Governour. M [...]: 16. 1 [...]. 1 C [...]. 4. 1 & 5. 4. Iames: 5. 10. 14. 1 Pet 5. [...] 5. Heb 13. 7. 17.
Q What [...]?
A That Church Administrations must not be attended in the name of the Church, but in the name of the Supream Governours Mat 28. 19. 1 Cor 5 4.
Qu Wherein [...] this Authority
A In binding and absolving Sinners, and consequently opening, and shutting Heaven. Mat 16 19 I [...]h [...] 20. 23 Rev 3 7
Qu What is [...]?
A That whereby a Church-Member is ecclesiastically corrected for inordinate walking. 1 Cor: 4 2 [...] [...]4. & 5, 5. 2 Cor 2, 6. & 1 [...]. 2 10. 1 Tim. 1. 20. 25. and this is either Admonition or excommunication. Mat 18. 15 to 18.
Qu What is Admonition?
A That whereby a Member openly offending or not heating his Brother in private, is convinced, that he may be gained. Mat 18 15, 16, 17. 1 Thess 5. 12.
Qu What is excommunication?
A T hat whereby an offending Member not hearing Admonition, is excluded the Communion [Page 23] of Saints for the saveing his soule, and the preservation of the Church. Mat 18. 17,18. 1 Cor 5 [...] 3. 4 & 5. 13.
Qu What is Absolution?
A That whereby the penitent off under is received again into Church Communion. 2 Cor. 2. 6,7,10,11.
Qu What are the kinds of Ministeriall Governours?
A Extraordinary, or Ordinary. 1 Cor 12. 28. Eph 4 11.
Qu Who are the extraordinary?
A Those who are immediately called by God, and have immediate infallible revelation & direction from him, Exodus 4 12 to 17. [...]er [...] 1. 5. Gal: [...] 1. 12.
Qu Who are the Ordinary?
A Those who are called Mediately by Man, according to God. acts 4. 23 T [...]t 15 to 9.
Qu Who are the Governed?
A The rest of the Congregation, who are bound by God, to bee subject, even to their ordinary Ministeriall Governours. acts 20. 28. Heb▪ 13 7 17 1 Cor 16. 16.
Qu Who were extraordinary Governours before Christs coming?
A The Patriarches and Prophets, the ordinary were the Heads and Eldest Sons in the Families, and Priests and L [...]vites. Gen 5 & 20. 7. 2 P [...]: 2. 7. Gen 9. 25. Exod 24. 5. Numb 3. 12. and the Governed were the rest of the family, and Tribes,
[Page 24] Q Who are extraordinary Governours since Christ?
A Apostles, & Evangelists. 1 Cor. 12 28. Eph 4. 11. 12. [...]
Q [...] special imployment of [...] of those extraordinary [...], hath before and after Christ?
A To [...] the Sacred Scriptures contained in the Old and New Testament, writing the one in the H [...]orew, the other in the Greek tongue. 2 Pet 1 21. John 20. 30 31 Rev 1. 19.
Q Do the Scriptures [...] un the whol [...] Samme of Religion?
A Yes, fully and plainly and all Religious controversies are to be tryed hereby. Isai 8 20. Gal 6. 20. 2 Tim 3 15. &c:
Qu Which [...] Officers since Christ?
A Elders, Deacons, and Widdows 1 Tim. 3. beg:
Qu Who [...] Elders?
A Ministers of God exercising spirituall Jurisdiction over their Congregations according to Christ 1 Tim. 3 [...] 8 [...] 4. 14 [...] 5 17 [...]. 1. 5.
Qu What [...] of these Elders?
A To feed the Church of God with sound Doctrine, and right Government Rom 12. 7,8. 1 Tim 5: 17. H [...]. 13 7. 1 Tim 3 2.
Qu W [...] is the work of Deacons, and Widdowes?
A They are to administer to the nessessities of the outward Man, among the People of God. [...]
Q What must a Church [...]?
A [...] with the most able Elders of sister Churches. Prov 11. 14 acts 15 1 [...] to 32 & 16. 4.
[Page 25] Quest. What is the Church Triumphant?
Answ. Those to whom Christ being fully applyed, they are crowned with full perfection. Iohn 17. 4. 1 Cor: 13. 2 &c: Eph. 4 13.
Q. What are the parts of Ap [...]tion?
A. Effectual Vocation, and communion with Christ. Gen. 12. 1,2,3, Psa [...]: 65. 4 Rom. 8. 30. 1 Cor 1. 9,30.
Q. What is effectual [...]?
A. That whereby God causeth a sinner to turne from all evill, to himself, that his soul may live in Gods [...]ight. [...]: 12. 1. Psal. 15. 10 11, 12, [...] 55. 1,2,3 [...] 26. 1 [...]. P [...]l [...]. 14
Q. How doth [...] effect [...]?
A. By working Faith in the heart, whereby a man comes to receive Christ to himself Iohn 1. 1 [...]. 13 & 6,4, [...] 45. [...] 2, 12. [...] 2 8.
Q [...] consists the working [...] Fa [...]l?
A. In preparation and infusion Ezek. 11. 19 M [...]. 2 [...]. 32
Q. What is Preparation?
A. That whereby a sinner is cutt off from Sin, and Self, that is, made contrite and humble Isay 57. 15. Luke 15. 18,19. Rom: 11. 24.
Q. What is the infusion of Faith?
A. The pouring in of the Spirit of Faith, whereby the heart stands well affected to Christ as the fountaine of life Ezek: 11. 19 Iohn 1. 12,13. and 6. 45. 2 Cor: 4. 12,13. Phil: 3. 12
Q. How is Faith ordinarily infused?
A. Into men of riper yeares, by the external [Page 26] ministry of the Gospel; Into infants by the immediate operation of the Spirit Rom. 10. 14. to 18. Eph 1. 13 Jer. 1. 5. Hos: 12. 7. Mat 18. 2,6 Luke 1. 15. Mark. 10. 16.
Qu What is the act of Faith?
A The Answer of the Heart to the speciall call of God whereby the Soule trusts in the Name of Christ for Life▪ Psal: 22. 8. Isai: 50. 11. Jer: 3. 22. G [...]l: 2. 19,20.
Qu What is our Union with Christ?
A That agreement, whereby a Believer is Joyned to Christ, as His Spirituall head. [...]ohn 1. 12. & 5. 5,6. 1 [...] 6. 17. Eph: 5 23. 31,32.
Qu What is Communion with Christ?
A That wherby such as have Christ have all his good things with him. Rom: 8. 32. 1 Cor: 1. 9. 30. & 3. 22. 23.
Qu Wherein doth this Communion Consist?
A In four things cheifly. Justification, Adoption, Sanctification, Glorification. Psal: 84 11. Rom 8. 30. 1 Cor: 6. 11.
Qu What is Justification?
A That whereby the active and passive Obedience of Christ being imputed to the Beleiver, He is Absolved before God from the Guilt of Sin, and pronounced by him Righteous and worthy of Life. Rom: 4. 6. 8, & 5. 18, 19. 2 Cor: 5. 24 P [...], 3. 9.
Q What is Adoption?
A That whereby a beleiver is advanced to the place, and Priviledg of a Son of God, and [Page 27] hence hath Communion with the Father in all his good things. John 14. 20. & 17. 21, & 20.17. Psal. 148. 14. Psal: 31. 19. 1 Iohn 1. 3.
Q What is Sanctification?
A It is the renewall of our Nature after the Glorious Image of our Heavenly Father whereby wee become fit for every Good work. Ezek 36. 26. 2 Cor:3. 18. Eph. 2. 10. Col: 3. 10. 2 Tim 2. 21 2 Pet 1. 4.
Q What are the parts of Sanctification?
A Mortification, which is a dayly dying to Sinn, by the Application of the death of Christ, & Vivification which is a dayly rising to newness of Life, by vertue of the Resurrection of Christ, 2 Cor: 5. 17. Rom 6. 3. to 12. & 8. 13 [...] 3. 5. 10. 2 Cor 3. 18.
Q What followeth from hence?
A The spiritual combat between flesh and spirit. The flesh is defended by the world, and the Devil, and the spirituall Armour, and all the Divine persons are for the new Man Gal 5. 17. Psa: [...]6. 1. 2. & 57 4. Eph [...]. 11. 12 Psa: 6. 9. to end 57. 1 to 7. 1 Joh 4. 4
Q What is Glorification?
A It is that change whereby beleivers live the Life of Christ, and have the same happines with Him. Joh 14. 19. R [...]: 8 30. 2 [...]Pe 1. 3. Re 20. 4. 6.
Q What is that happynes?
A The imployment of the Sanctified Soule in the Beatificall vision, and fruition of God. Isai: 56. 2 mat. 5. 8. H [...]b: 12. 14 Iam. 1. 25:
Q What is [...] beginning of this happynes?
A A fore tast in this life of future Glory. Nu: 13. 23. to 28. Psal: 34. 8. Rom. 8. 23. 1 Cor 13. 9. to. Act 3. 3. 4
[Page 28] Q Wherein doth this Consist?
A In the direct, and the reflexe act of the Sanctified Soule. 1 John 1 to 8. & [...], 3,4,5.
Qu What is the direct act?
A A dark vision of God in his word, & works in this Life. Jo [...] 26. 14 Psal 36: 8,9. Psa 65. 4. Heb. 2 14. 1 Cor. 13. 11. 12
Quest. What is the [...] act?
Answ. That whereby the Saints being conscious to their own excellency and divine life, are assured of their Divine happiness Rom 7. 15,16,22,25. & 8 16. 2 Cor: 13. 15. 1 Iohn 2. 3, to 7 & 3 14 19.
Qu What is the perfection of happiness?
Ans. The seeing of God face to face Psal. 16 last. 1 Cor. 13. 12.
Q. When shall the Saints be perfectly happy?
A. The Soul at the very instant of death, shall be carried to heaven by the Angells, and the whole man at the resurrection and last judgment Luke 16. 22,23,25. Phil: 1 23. Rev: 14 13. Mat: 22. 30 31. & 25 31 &c:
Quest Thus of Faith in God. What is Observance towards God?
A. The performance of duty to God by us, through the power of the Spirit, working in our faith Lev. 19. 37. 33 Deut. 9. Psal: 116. 9,10 Mat: 28 20. Iohn 15. 4,8.
Quest. Wherein consist, Observance towards God?
Answ. In Obedience to the Law, and the helpes of obedience, which are Prayer, and celebration [Page 29] of the Sacraments Ma [...]. 18. 19,20. Iames 1 5.
Quest. What is the Law?
Answ An eternal Rule, whereby we are bound to close with God [...] [...] che [...]st good. Psalm 1. 9.15 Mat. 5. 1 [...]. & 22. 37 [...] 39.
Quest. How is this Law given to man?
A. It was fairly written in the Nature of man in innocency Rom. 2. 14,15. & 5. 17.
Q. What is become of that [...]?
A It is almost blotted out of the heart of man since the Fall Psal. 14. 1,2, [...]. Rom. 3. 10. to 19.
Q. Doth nothing therof remain in man non?
A. Yea, so much as may testifie, that a man was borne to keep the Law, and so leaves him without excuse Rom. 1. 18,19,20,21. & 2. 1. 14.
Q. What is here to be considered?
A. Conscience, which is that reflexe act, whereby the Law written in the heart of man, and read by his understanding, is applyed to his act, good or evil John [...]. 9. Rom. 2 14, 15. 2 Cor. 4 2.
Q. What is the use of this Law?
A. It is of use to those not in Christ, to discover the evill of sin, and to bring them to Christ, It is of use to those in Christ, as a rule of Obedience. Gal. 2. 19. & 3. 23,24. Jer, 31. 33. Mat. 5. 17,18. Gal. 6 [...] 2 Cor. 3. 3.
Q. What is Obedience to the Law?
A That respect to the Law, whereby a man closeth with Goodness it selfe: and this is in perfect and cannot merrit, yet is acceptable to God, being perfumed with the Sacrifice of Christ. [...]. 6 [...] 19. 6. Mat. 19. 17. Rom. 7. 14, to end Rom 4. 4 1 John 2. 1,2.
[Page 30] Q. How is Obedience to the Law distinguished?
A. It is either the Worship of God required in the first Table, o [...]the love of our Neighbour required in the Second. Exod, 32. 15,16. Mat: 22 37,t [...] 41.
Qu What is the Worship of God?
A It is that whereby we love and embrace God directly for himself Mat: 19. 17. & 22. 37.
Qu How is the Law concerning his worship distinguished;
A. In the kinds of it, and in the due manner of Worship. The kinds of Worship are Naturall or Instituted, the manner is with reverence and Solemnity Exod: 20, 1, &c.
Qu What is Natural worship required in the first Commandments;
A That whereby we take the true God alone for our God. Exod: 20. 2. 3. Psal: 73. 25. 1 Cor 8. 4,5,6.
Q. What is here forbidden?
A All not worshiping of the true God, or preferring any thing before him
Q What is instituted Worship repuired in the second Commandement?
A The attendance upon God in the Ordinances of his own appointment. Deut: 12. 5. Prov: 8. 34, 35. Psalm 65. 4. Prov: 20.
Q. What is here forbidden?
A All wilworship devised by Man. Acts. 2. 18. 23.
[Page 31] Q What is required in the third Commandment?
A All possible Reverence in the service of God and in the speaking of God, and Godlyness. Gen: 28. 16, 17. Psal 89. 7. & 111▪ 9. Eccles: 5. 1,2.
Qu What is meant by the Name of God?
A God himselfe with all those things whereby he is made known unto us, as his Titles. Attributes, and Divine Institutions. Exod: 3 14 15▪ Joel 2. 32. John 17. 6. Acts: 9. 15. Dent: 12. 5.
Qu What is here forbidden?
A All prophaness, or light esteeming, or speaking of God, or the things of God.
Q what is the Sollemn manner of Worship required in the fourth Commandement?
A A Sollemn setting a part of a seventh day designed by God for divine Worship Exod: 28. [...]2, & 31. 13,16,17. Lev: 19. 30 I [...]at: [...]8. 13. Ezek 20. 20
Qu What kind of day is this Seventh day?
A A Naturall day consisting of twenty four houres, beginning at even, which was the last of seven from the Creation to the death of Christ, and the first of leaven from Christ to the end of the World. Lev: [...]3, 32. Neheni 13. 19. Mark 1 32. Gen [...], 2, 3. Joh 20. 19. Acts 10. 7. Heb 4. 9 10. Rev 1. 10. Mat 24. 10.
Qu How may it appear that the first day of the weeke is now made Holy by God?
A Both by our Saviours appointment, and [...] all authority. Mat 12. 8. Mark 2. 27. [Page 32] 28. John 20. 19, to 27. Heb 4. 9,10. Psal. 118 2▪ Acts 20. 11. 1 Cor. 10. 2. Rev. 1. 10
Q What is here [...] [...]?
A. The imployment of this day to any other use to the hinderance of this holy worship. Exo. 20. 10.
Q. What love is required in the fifth Commandement?
A. All due respects, both inward and outward, to Superiours, inferiours, and equalls. Eph. 5. 2 [...]. 1 P [...] 2. 2. 17. Rom. 12. 10.
Q. What [...] [...] forbidden?
A. All neglect of duty in this kind. Mat: 15! 4,5,6 Ezek: 34. 2,3,4. Rom 13. 8.
Q. What is required in the sixth Commandement?
A. Whatsoever conduceth to the preservation of mine own and my neighbours life. Eph. 5. 28 29. 1 King: 18. 4.
Q. What is here forbidden?
A. What soever doth unlawfully prejudice life Acts. 16. 28. Gen. 9. 6.
Q. What is required in the seventh Commandemen?
A. The preservation of chastity, in heart, speech and behaviour. 1 Cor: 7. 1 Pet: 3. 2
Q. What is here forbidden?
A. All unchast thoughts, words and actions, Mat: 15 19. & 5. 28. ephe: 5 3,4.
What doth-the eighth Commandment require?
A. The lawfull procuring and furthering the [Page 33] outward estate of our selves and others Gen: 30 30, Lev 5. 35. Gen: 4. 7. 14,20
Q. What is here forbidden?
A. Whatsoever unjustly hinders our own, or our nighbours wealth Prov. [...]1. 7 & 23: 20. [...]ph 4: 28
Q. What doth the ninth Commandment require?
A. The maintaining, and promoting of Truth and or our owne and our nerghbours good name, especially in witness-bearing Ze [...]h. 8: 16 Iohn 3: 2 Prov: 14: 5 25
Q. What is here forbidden?
A. All prejudicing of truth, and our owne or others good name 1 Sam: 17. 8. Lev: 19. 16 Psal 15. 2,5.
Q. What doth the tenth Commandment require?
A. Contentment with our own condition, and charity towards our neighbour, and all that is his, He [...] 12. 5. 1 Tim: 6 6.
Q. What is here forbidden?
A. All discontent with our own estate, and envying the good of our neighbour, and [...]ll inordinate affection to any thing that is his. 1 King [...]1. 4. eph, 5 13. 1 Cor: 10. 10 [...] [...] 3. 14. Rom. 7 7,8.
Q [...]: Wh [...] is Prayer?
A. An offering our prayers, and desires to God, for things agreeable to his will, in the name of Christ. Psal. 52. 8. 1 John 5. 14. [...] [...]6. 23
Q What are the th [...]gs we must desire?
A. Such as concern God more immediately, as [Page 34] she Hallowing of his name, the comming of his Kingdome, the doing of his Will; and such as more nextly concern man, as the obtaining dayly bread, remission of sins, delivery from temptation. Ma [...]: 6. 9,10,12,13. Luke 11 1,2. 3,4.
Quest. What holy exercise is here to be observed [...]
A. Fasting, which is a religious abstinence from the usuall food, and comforts of this life [...] that we may be the more humbled before God, and quickned to pray. Joel 1. 14.
Q. What is Thanks giving?
A. An hearty acknowledgment of Gods Mercy bestowed upon us, yeilding him due prayse, Mat: 6▪13.
Q. What is a Sacrament?
A. It is an holy Ceremony, wherein external senc [...]ble thing, by a Solemn rite, are separated from Common use to signifie, exhibite, and seal to the faithfull, the assurance of eternall life by Jesus Christ. Exod. 1. 1 Cor. 10. 16. & 11. 24 25, 6. & Gen. 17,7,10.
Q. Which are the parts of a Sacrament?
A. The Signe, and the thing signified Mat. 26▪ 26. &.
Q. Have the visible Signes been allwayes the same:
A. No, they have been diverse, according to the will of Christ, before and after his comming. Oct. 17. 7. Ma [...]. 28. 19. Exod. 12. mat. 26. 26 &c.
Q. What is the Spirituall part, or the thing [...]?
[Page 35] A. Jesus Christ, God-man, with all his Benefits, which never varied 1 Cor. 10. 1,2,3,4.
Q. How many Sacraments hath Christ now instituted?
A Only Two, the Sacrament of our Initiation into Christ, and of our growth in him, both which must be dispensed by the Ministers of the Word 1. Cor: 12. 13. & 10. 16,17. mat: 28 18,19 1 Cor: 1. 16.
Q What is the Sacrament of Initiation?
A Baptism, which is the Sacrament of our ingrafting into Christ and his Church, and is the portion of all Church-Members and but once administred. Mat: 28. 19. Rom: 6 4 Gal: 3. 27. [...]. 2. 39.
Qu What is the Signe, or external part?
A Before Christ came, the extraordinary were the passage through the Red-Sea, and the Cloud and Pillar of fire, the ordinary, was Circumcision; but Since Christ is come, it is the washing, or Sprinkling of the face with water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. 1 Cor 10. 2. Mat: 28 19. Mat: 3. 11.
Q What is the Speciall thing signified?
A The washing away of our Sins by the Righteousnes of Christ, and ingaging of us to be the Lords. Cor: 2. 12 Gal: 2 27. Acts: 2. 38. 1 Pet. 3. 21.
Q Which is the Sacrament of growth in Christ?
A The Lords Supper, appointed for the nou [...]hing of the new man after our being in Christ, [Page 36] and therefore this to be often Administred. 1 Cor: 11. 24, 26. &c.
Qu What is the Signe, or Sensible part thereof?
A. Before Christ came, the extraordinary was the Mannah, and the water of the Rock; the ordinary was the Lamb in the Passover: Since Christ came, it is Bread and Wine in the Lords Supper. 2 Cor. 10. 3,4. Exod: 12. 1 Cor: 11. 21 22, 23.
Qu What is the Spiritual part, or thing Signified;
A. Our continual Strengthning in the inner Man, by our often feeding by faith upon the Lord and his benefits to our undoubted assurance of life eternal. 1 cor; 11. 21. to 26. & 10: 16.
Q What is required to the worthy receiving of this Supper?
A. Self examination of our knowledg and abilitie to discern the Lords Body, of our faith to feed upon him, of our Repentance and new Obedience, lest comming unworthily, we eat and drink our own damnation, 1 cor 5 7, 8. 1 cor 11 31. 2 cor. 13. 5.